Google Sketchup

Something to consider for the iLearn group project. Google Sketchup allows users to create 3D object that can be directly applied to the surface of the Earth in their Google Earth application, the Sketchup community also provides a range of free object created by others in their 3D warehouse. Alowing users to create very realistic models in a very short time.

Whether we/I actually use this application, we will have to see, but it at least provides an excellent resource of 3D items. It is also possible to import these objects into application such as Blender, not limiting the final 3D environment of choice.

Mediated Communication

Today were are:

Covering mediated communication
making a video / communication analysis
Video production (Adobe Premiere)

Consider synchronous communication
Media spaces - Social computing

Wellness window (paper)

This is the video that Steve and I created using Adobe Premiere CS3 - The scenario took 7-8mins to complete, the final edit is just over 4mins...

The scenario... Two people on Skype (Steve and I), based in two different rooms. Each with a box of Lego. One person (Me) instructs the other to create the same object via simple video and audio feed.




The camera on me was not the one that Steve could see, so what I was building can not always be seen from this camera angle (sorry...). The finished product was suppose to be a rocket... (you can see the top of it near the end of the video...) What the video does demonstrate is the different elements of communication required to complete a task.

Notes:

• 40seconds in - Steve:"...they will have to be multi-coloured..." Im unable to see what he has in his pot!
• 2mins into the video - note a second person on Steve's side is helping him (this was not planned!) hence causing a disruption in the flow. A pitfall if you consider I could not see her on the actual webcam!
  

However, the process was not too bad if you factor in we are using a 2 dimensional video interface (that does not always show the object well), and sound that is occasionally weak or not clear. How should you really explain the construction of such an object via this media? This little experiment has shown how much longer it 'could' take than showing them in person. Ultimately it's all about understanding user interaction, and the ability to use the media the best way you can.

Bar Code Creator

Handy bar code creator on TEC-IT website. Allows users to create specific barcodes with any alpha numerical text! Its free for non-commercial use... hence the logos ;)


Barcode Software

BeeTagg for PDAs seems to work very well and using NeoTags creator its possible to make appropriate shot codes. Just type words or number - it even works if it's not a link.









Yes this one also says 'Hello World!'.

Could be handy for my group project :)

Bing ...Augmented reality maps

Interesting....'Blaise Aguera y Arcas demos new augmented-reality mapping technology from Microsoft.'